Share this Page

Memory Match: Bayern Munich 2 Man Utd 1, March 30, 2010

Manchester United faced Louis van Gaal’s Bayern Munich six years ago in the Champions League quarter-final first-leg at the Allianz Arena…

Bayern Munich 2 Manchester United 1

Wayne Rooney and United shocked the home side with an away goal after only 66 seconds. Nani was brought down on the right by Martin Demichelis allowing the Portuguese winger to deliver a cross that Rooney converted with a volley as Demichelis slipped in the box.

Bayern responded well and upped the tempo but United got to the break with a one-goal lead. Sir Alex Ferguson’s side held out until 13 minutes from time, when Frank Ribery’s tame free-kick made its way through the wall and past Edwin van der Sar via a Wayne Rooney deflection.

United almost retook the lead with Nemanja Vidic rattled the crossbar but the Red Devils blew it in added time. Patrice Evra gave the ball away near his own goal, allowing Ivica Olic to score, earning the Bavarians a one-goal advantage to take to Old Trafford for the second leg.

Conceding so late was a bitter pill to swallow but the sight of Wayne Rooney in a crumpled heap as the Bayern players rejoiced doubled the pain for United. Rooney had landed awkwardly on his ankle moments before Evra’s slip and seemed almost certain to miss the return leg. He was surprisingly named in United’s XI at Old Trafford but he could not stop United going out to Bayern, with Arjen Robben’s fine volley sealing progression for Van Gaal’s side in Manchester.

What they said

“This is a reward for our attacking football, so the victory is very sweet. I think United have a very good chance, though, because they scored an away goal.

“I wanted to win 1-0 or get a 0-0. In comparison, 2-1 isn’t the best result. But we have always scored in our Champions League games this season. We have scored a lot of goals away from home, so we can have a lot of confidence.”

Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson after the game:

“An away goal is always an advantage, no question about that, so the tie is not dead. Bayern have a strong chance, but on our own ground, we should have a real chance of progressing. It’s very tight.

“We kept giving the ball away and we caused our own defeat. Bayern were the best team. We can’t complain about that.

“Our possession wasn’t good enough. It caused us to defend when we didn’t need to defend. We gave it away too easily all night. Right from minute one, the possession wasn’t up to our standard.

“It’s hard to explain because our possession is something we pride ourselves on and it has been integral to our progress this year.

“Bayern’s first goal was a bit of luck, these things can happen, but the last goal – how can I describe it – the game was done and it was a terrible goal.

“There was a lot of confusion. The ball caught between Evra’s feet and he stumbled. It allowed Olic to get into the box.

“He was unlucky, but it wasn’t a good goal to concede, that’s for sure. But time and again, Edwin Van der Sar made the saves to keep us in the game and we have to admit that.

“It will be a different game at Old Trafford, though. We will certainly be much better and we won’t be giving the ball way as much as we did tonight.”